Jayden Daniels put together a rookie campaign for the ages. Unfortunately, his momentous story fell agonizingly short of the Super Bowl.
The Washington Commanders were second-best throughout their NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniels tried valiantly to keep his team in the contest. However, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft couldn't overcome a porous defense and costly turnovers in key moments.
Daniels played well and demonstrated flawless poise in the face of extreme pressure. The Commanders couldn't have asked for any more from their signal-caller during his first year in the pros. He's galvanized a struggling franchise and captivated the league's imagination along the way. He's a franchise player in every sense of the term.
Jayden Daniels wants this to be the beginning for Commanders
Losing a championship game stung. Daniels was more emotional than usual when speaking to the media following the clash. The Heisman Trophy winner took the defeat hard after everything this team accomplished in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. It's also lit a fire under the dual-threat to ensure he doesn't feel like this again.
"Honestly man, it sucks. This s--t sucks. Excuse my language, but I couldn't be prouder of the guys in the locker room. Year one, everybody not really knowing each other … The rookies … The veterans did a tremendous job of bringing us in and helping us out. We all just meshed. We got to this point, but at the end of the day, we lost. It sucks. But we'll move on from this. I don't want to have a feeling like this again. But you gotta deal with it. And move on from it."Jayden Daniels via SI
These aren't just empty words from Daniels. He's the ultra-competitor. Nobody works harder on improving their craft. If this bitter taste of defeat provides the spark that ignites him to greater heights, that's a scary thought for everyone else.
It's also worth remembering that this version of the Commanders should be the worst roster Daniels has around him. General manager Adam Peters has the resources needed to make significant improvements to the playing personnel this offseason. Striking while this team is hot and maximizing his quarterback's rookie contract is imperative.
Nobody is expecting a sophomore slump from Daniels. He'll have upgraded weapons, perhaps some reinforcements on the offensive line, and continuity within the coaching staff unless Kliff Kingsbury takes the New Orleans Saints head coaching gig. That's an enormous positive working in his favor.
Daniels achieved more than anyone dreamed this season. He drove the Commanders into the playoffs, overcame a rib injury, and did it all with ruthless efficiency. He's a superstar — a genuine difference-maker capable of spearheading Washington's evolution into a perennial powerhouse.
This will hurt for a while. But when Daniels gets time to reflect, he'll look back on his efforts with pride. Even if the Commanders fell at the final hurdle in pursuit of the Super Bowl.
The former LSU star was so close yet so far. Daniels is always looking ahead, so he'll strive with everything he has to make the improvements needed to ensure this sensational first season is just the start.
And again, that's going to be a big problem for the entire league.